Teen suicide is becoming more common each year in the United States. In fact, only car accidents and homicides (murders) kill more people between the ages of 15 and 24, making suicide the third leading cause of death among adolescents and, in general, among young people aged 10 to 19. years. Read on to learn more about it. serious problem - including what makes a person consider suicide, what puts a teenager at risk of suicide or self-harm, and the warning signs that a person might be considering suicide and how they can get help finding other solutions. It's common for teenagers to think about death to some extent. Adolescents' thinking skills have matured in a way that allows them to think more deeply - about their existence in the world, the meaning of life, and other deep questions and ideas. Unlike children, adolescents realize that death is permanent. They may begin to think about spiritual or philosophical questions such as what happens after death. To some, death, and even suicide, can seem poetic (think of Romeo and Juliet, for example). For others, death may seem scary or a source of worry. For many, death is mysterious and beyond our human experience and understanding. Thinking about suicide goes beyond the normal ideas adolescents may have about death and life. Wishing to die, thinking about suicide, or feeling helpless and hopeless about how to solve life's problems are signs that a teen may be in danger and need help and support. Beyond suicidal thoughts, making a plan or attempting suicide is even more serious. What makes some teens think about suicide — and, worse, plan or do something with the intention of ending their lives? One of the main factors is depression. Su...... middle of paper ...... I get depressed or turn to alcohol or drugs for a false sense of relief. Without the necessary coping skills or support, these social stresses can increase the risk of severe depression and, therefore, suicidal ideation and behavior. Adolescents who have recently experienced a loss or crisis or who have had a family member commit suicide may be particularly vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and behaviors themselves. Finally, having access to firearms is extremely risky for any adolescent with any of the other risk factors. Depression, anger, impulsivity, life stress, substance abuse, feelings of alienation or loneliness – all of these factors can put a teen at major risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The availability of firearms and one or more of these risk factors constitute a deadly equation. Many teenage lives could be saved by ensuring those at risk do not have access to guns..